expression

noun

ik-ˈspre-shən How to pronounce expression (audio)
Definition of expressionnext
1
as in voice
an act, process, or means of putting something into words the poem is his expression of his grief upon the loss of his beloved wife

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2
as in look
facial appearance regarded as an indication of mood or feeling we could tell by the fans' expressions that the Chicago Cubs had lost again

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3
as in term
a pronounceable series of letters having a distinct meaning especially in a particular field the expression "John Doe" is used in legal proceedings to refer to a person whose actual name is either unknown or being withheld from the public

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4
as in phrase
a sequence of words having a specific meaning the popular expression "raining cats and dogs" is meaningless in other languages

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of expression The design details San Diego is a warm, open expression of the vision because the location itself invites it. — Alexis Benveniste, Architectural Digest, 27 Aug. 2026 Just getting to see four different types of expression in that one day carries a lot of meaning on its own. — Billboard Japan, Billboard, 26 Aug. 2026 Texting also strips out tone of voice and facial expression, the signals that make intent easier to interpret. — Angela Haupt, Time, 26 Aug. 2026 Hollywood actress Stone said the project also highlights the role of creative expression during periods of crisis. — George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for expression
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expression
  1. voice
  2. look
  3. term
  4. phrase
  5. formulation
  6. smile
  7. word
  8. idiom
Noun
  • Unwilling to expose himself in this moment, Paul Baker juggles both of his competing personas, continuing the bro-y shouting but with a new panic in his voice and in Jack Innanen’s expressions.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The studio has released seven titles that have won 10 Emmy Awards and two Annie Awards, with voice talent including Glenn Close, Jennifer Hudson, Ethan Hawke, John Legend, Lupita Nyong’o, Daisy Ridley and Oprah Winfrey.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of voice
Noun
  • One of Braun’s strengths is an almost sneaky explosiveness combined with reckless abandon — whether sprinting on run-outs, squirting free on back-door cuts, throwing his body into the paint, or rising high to finish open looks from beyond the arc.
    — Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Creators will film their outfits, review the food and give followers a look inside brand experiences and premium seats, broadcasting the spectacle of being at the Open to millions of people beyond the gates.
    — Jessica Schiffer, Vogue, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of look
Noun
  • Simply put, acknowledging the reality—even if the administration won’t state it in these terms—of avoiding a further, major military campaign as the conflict drags on.
    — Hamidreza Azizi, Time, 29 Aug. 2026
  • In relationships, the informal term refers to spouses who remain together while reducing their emotional effort, communication or involvement in the relationship.
    — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of term
Noun
  • Almost exactly one month later, the phrase appeared as a central QAnon concept.
    — Matthew N. Hannah, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The phrase first surfaced in early 2024 and has grown in popularity since, according to Know Your Meme.
    — Mitchell McCluskey, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of phrase
Noun
  • At the center is a softer formulation of the supercritical foam, surrounded by a more firm perimeter to create a plate-like effect along with support and durability.
    — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026
  • That mix of results and sensitivity-friendly formulation is a signature of the K beauty category as a whole.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of formulation
Noun
  • The singer kept her cool through technical difficulties and captivated a drenched, shifty crowd, drawing them in with a warm smile and a euphonious delivery.
    — DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Earlier this year, that smile came with particularly sharp teeth.
    — Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of smile
Noun
  • Presidents across party lines celebrated Dolly Parton on Tuesday following her death, speaking to the country icon’s ability to transcend politics through her work that often spoke louder than words.
    — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The advance word on his performance here has been very strong.
    — Joe Reid, Vulture, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of word
Noun
  • There are plenty of idioms to describe Andrean outside hitter Aleece Ehler’s freshman season.
    — Noah Poser, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The Dodgers acquired Skubal in an abundantly predictable bombshell trade with the Detroit Tigers in exchange for a trio of prospects, wanting to test the idiom that a ballclub can never have enough pitching.
    — Mirjam Swanson, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of idiom

Browse Nearby Words

expressing
expression
expressionist
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Cite this Entry

“Expression.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expression. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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